An HBO executive has promised fans of the Harry Potter franchise that the upcoming reboot television series will not be “infused” with J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans beliefs, despite the author’s hands-on involvement with the series.
In the decades since the original book series and feature films, Rowling has become synonymous with her anti-trans rhetoric, with the author controversially espousing her viewpoints on social media. However, while even actors from the film series have spoken out against Rowling, HBO and its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery remain in the Rowling business.
“The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We’ve been in business for 25 years,” HBO chief content officer Casey Bloys told The Town podcast (via Variety).
In 2024, Bloys said that Rowling was “very, very involved” in the preproduction of the show, including picking showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod. However, Bloys insisted that Rowling’s personal political views would not seep into the series itself.
“We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike that we do with the BBC. It’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them,” Bloys said. “Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
HBO has billed its upcoming series as “a faithful adaptation” that “will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years.”
“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,” HBO said at the time. “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
In February, John Lithgow was cast as the series’ Albus Dumbledore, and the actor was met with criticism over his decision to join the production due to its association with Rowling.
“I thought, why is this a factor at all? I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her and I’m curious to talk to her,” Lithgow said, adding that he faced less backlash when he played Roald Dahl in the West End play Giant, even though the author was a known antisemite. “No one complained when I agreed to play Dahl, but I’ve received so many messages about J.K. Rowling,” he noted. “Isn’t that odd?”
